June 4 – The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne has ruled in favour of the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) regarding the legal dispute initiated over a decision made by the Sports Arbitration Court of Kosovo (GJAS) in the case of FC Prishtina.
CAS upheld the FFK’s original decision to deny FC Prishtina a licence for European competitions for the 2023/24 season, fully validating the Federation’s actions as compliant with existing regulations.
Crucially, the Lausanne-based court confirmed that the FFK is not subject to the jurisdiction of the local GJAS, thereby reaffirming the Federation’s autonomy and independence as the highest football governing body in the country.
In paragraph 186 of the ruling, the CAS Panel highlighted that evidence presented during the hearing showed no objections to the fact that FC Prishtina had been properly guided through the licensing process by FFK Licensing Manager, Bajram Shala. Furthermore, the club had been clearly and timely notified that any third-instance appeal must be directed to CAS in Switzerland.
The Panel noted that the club should have taken into account the FFK Statute and UEFA Club Licensing Regulations. These regulations specify that if a member association designates an arbitration tribunal, that specific body holds the jurisdiction over the club licensing system.
The ruling further detailed that Article 58 of the FFK Statute designates the competent body for licensing matters. The combined interpretation of Article 67.1 and Article 58 clarifies that decisions made by the Licensing Appeals Body can only be contested at CAS in Lausanne.
Given the statutory definition pointing to CAS in Switzerland, the Panel concluded that the local GJAS in Kosovo completely lacked the jurisdiction to review the appeal against the second-instance decision.
Beyond a simple legal victory, the FFK views this ruling as a powerful affirmation of its international standing and its adherence to FIFA and UEFA organisational standards. The decision reinforces the core principle that national football federations enjoy full autonomy in decision-making and cannot be subjected to external jurisdictions that compromises its independence.
“The triumph of the FFK in this case is a strong message to all stakeholders in Kosovar football that respecting institutional hierarchy and international rules is essential for the sustainable development of the sport,” the Federation stated.
The FFK notes that this decision strengthens trust in football institutions and sets an important precedent for the future, marking a step forward in consolidating Kosovo’s football system—where sports law, institutional autonomy, and international standards remain indisputable.
Moving forward, the FFK stated it emerges from this process stronger, clearer in its competencies, and more determined to protect the integrity of domestic football while treating all member clubs equally.
The Football Federation of Kosovo also expressed its gratitude to its legal representative, Fis Murati, for his professionalism and dedication throughout the proceedings.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at [email protected]